Westminster Hall debates: 9 December 2014

MPs debated the education of children with cerebral palsy, and anti-semitism on Tuesday 9 December 2014.

The debates were among five Westminster Hall debates that gave MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.

Morning schedule

9.30-11am – Education of children with cerebral palsy

Mr Mark Hoban, Conservative MP for Fareham, moved a debate on the Education of children with cerebral palsy. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Education, Mr Edward Timpson, responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Performance of the General Dental Council

Sir Paul Beresford, Conservative MP for Mole Valley, moved a debate on the Performance of the General Dental Council. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health, Dr Daniel Poulter, responded on behalf of the Government.

Afternoon schedule

2.30-4pm – Anti-semitism

John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw, moved a debate on Anti-semitism. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Stephen Williams responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Power cuts in North Finchley

Mike Freer, Conservative MP for Finchley and Golders Green, moved a debate on the power cuts in North Finchley. The Assistant Whip to the Treasury Department, Mr Ben Wallace, responded on behalf of the Government.

Westminster Hall debates

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one and a half hour debates and three half hour debates. The longer debates are intended for broader subjects where a number of MPs will want to speak. The shorter debates may focus on an issue that an MP may want to raise about their constituency.

Two ballots are held on the Wednesday of the previous week for each type of debate; MPs may enter into both ballots but can only be successful in one.

Each government department responds to the debates every other week according to a rota.The Chair is taken by a member of the Panel of Chairs, with the same duties and powers conferred on Deputy Speakers.

Watching Westminster Hall debates from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public galleries.